The RSPCA is today launching an emergency appeal supported by Ricky Gervais to ensure its rescue teams can keep saving animals through the Coronavirus crisis.
Animal rescuers at the charity have been designated key workers by the government but vital funding is needed to keep them out on the road, continuing to rescue animals from the worst cruelty and neglect.
The RSPCA is currently caring for 874 cats, most of which are in its animal centres, but the charity is paying for more in private boarding with foster carers where the centres are full. The charity is also currently caring for 886 dogs across England and Wales.
These numbers are expected to grow as even more come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more pets in need.
Staff at the RSPCA animal centres are focusing on keeping the cats in their care happy and healthy throughout the crisis as rehoming and fostering has been paused with government advice.
The charity is also paying for other cats to be cared for in private catteries, where there isn’t space for them in centres, as well as paying for the care of 82 dogs being treated in vets or being cared for in private kennels because local centres are too full. And 71 dogs have been placed with foster carers so they can be looked after in a home environment.
Alongside this, the charity is also facing a huge financial strain as it is already seeing the damaging effect of this crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.
Cat lover, Ricky Gervais said: “It is really important for us all to pull together to help each other at this difficult time and someone needs to be there for the animals too. I would urge people to give whatever they can spare at this really difficult time to support the RSPCA so they can stay out on the frontline rescuing the animals who need them.
“They are facing huge challenges through this crisis, but their amazing staff are committed to being there for animals in danger in any way they can, and they can only do it with your help.”
Dermot Murphy, Chief Inspectorate Officer, said: “This is a time of national crisis, and many of us are anxious about the future of our loved ones. This crisis has touched all areas of life and the RSPCA is no different. As we all face the biggest challenge of a generation, the RSPCA must continue to be on the frontline, rescuing and caring for the animals who need us most.
“Our rescuers, vets and nurses have been designated key workers by the government which means we can carry on saving animals from cruelty and neglect, but we rely entirely on generous public donations to fund our vital services.
“We are facing immense challenges and huge pressures on strained resources, but our hugely dedicated teams are out there dealing with emergencies and our centres continue to deliver vital care to thousands of animals, with more expected in the coming weeks. We know that this is a difficult time for everyone, but we must still be here for animals who are suffering and we are appealing for animal lovers to give whatever they can to help us.”
Since the crisis deepened at the beginning of March, our animal cruelty line has already received nearly 60,000 calls. You can help to support the appeal here.
